You may be determined to only spend a certain amount at the store, but there are sneaky ways retailers make you spend more. And if you're not aware of these tactics, you could leave a store paying more than anticipated. Here are seven sneaky ways retailers make you spend more.
Increasing the size of shopping carts is one of several sneaky ways retailers make you spend more money. If you've noticed bigger shopping carts in recent years, it's not your imagination. In fact, some retail stores have even eliminated handheld shopping baskets. This tactic is ingenious. With a bigger cart, there's more room for impulse buys.
Whether you're in a grocery store or the mall, it's not unusual to hear upbeat music playing over the loudspeaker. This music enhances your shopping experience, and it tricks you into spending more. As a matter of fact, music that makes up happier increases the likelihood that we'll spend more. A recent study revealed that holiday music can increase spending by as much as 17%.
It might seem like the perfect deal, but unless you're actually in the market for two of a particular item, this is another way retailers get you to spend money. You probably only need one item. Or, you can wait until both items are on sale and spend less than if you paid regular price for one and half price for the other.
If you're not careful, it's easy to fall for this trick. Some retailers use product placement to get retailers to spend more. They'll position an expensive or luxury item next to an less expensive alternative. But here's the thing, the inexpensive item might be overpriced; however, situated next to the luxury item, it looks like a bargain.
Just about every retail or restaurant has a smartphone app, and at checkout you're encouraged to download the app. However, this app is one of the sneakiest ways retailers get you to spend more. Often times, the app features advertisements, promotions and sales; and sometimes, customers who have the app are privy to exclusive promotions. Either way, the app is designed to bring you back into the store.
Some people don't shop online, or they limit online purchases because shipping costs are expensive. Retailers know this, and to encourage online shopping, they may offer free shipping. From a buyer's perspective, it's a good deal. But when some retailer offer free shipping, chances are that the products are priced slightly higher to compensate for this freebie.
This happened to me just last week. At checkout, the cashier says I can receive a coupon to take $10 off my next purchase of $30 if I spend $5. I declined, yet I can see how some people fall for this trick, especially since it's a split second decision. Getting a $10 off coupon might be worth the extra $5. But you have to spend $30 to enjoy the discount, which is basically the retailer's way of getting you back into the store.
Retailers are sneaky, but you have to give them credit – they know how to entice customers and make us spend money. But if you're trying to save, you need to recognize these techniques. What are other ways retailers get us to spend money?